Good food, good company at East Side School

The Harrisburg East Side School Free Summer Lunch Program is in full swing and proving to be a real asset to the welfare of the community.

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By Jon Sternberg, Contributing Writer

The Daily Register - Harrisburg, IL

By Jon Sternberg, Contributing Writer

Posted Jul. 3, 2014 at 8:56 AM

By Jon Sternberg, Contributing Writer

Posted Jul. 3, 2014 at 8:56 AM

HARRISBURG

The Harrisburg East Side School Free Summer Lunch Program is in full swing and proving to be a real asset to the welfare of the community.

The program serves lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and is free to all youths 18 and under, regardless of residency.

“No one goes away hungry,” said Bill Hughes, who volunteers on Mondays and Fridays. “It's a good program.”

Hughes's wife Michelle, is the head cook of the program and sees to it that all visitors, regardless of age are met with courtesy and friendliness and get a good, wholesome meal. Adults over 18 are charged a mere $3 for a meal and the availability of this resources fills a real need in the community. Not only does it provide a valuable nutrition source at no charge which school children have grown used to receiving everyday at school during the school year, it also provides an opportunity for low or limited income and budget conscious adults to get a hot, nutritious meal at an unbeatable price.

“We enjoy coming every day we can,” said Tiffany Davis, who was there for the lunch on Monday with her son, Tristin. “I enjoy getting to visit with people, I think it's important to meet different people in the community and get to exchange views on life.

“It's fun. I get good food and get to see my friends,” Chambers said, adding with a smile, “Besides, today is pizza, I can't say no to pizza!”

Bill Hughes stated the purpose of the program very clearly.

“There is no sense in anyone going hungry. We have one lady who comes in every day with six children and I know she walks a good distance to get here. I am proud to help with a program that provides this kind of a service that is so needed in our community and society,” Hughes said. “These meals all follow the USDA guidelines for nutrition and are tasty as well as wholesome. I just wish we could spread the word about this program so more people know about it and come in and have a meal with us.”